Which plague devastated Europe in the 14th century?

In the 14th century, Europe was significantly impacted by a devastating pandemic known as the Black Death. This outbreak is commonly associated with the Bubonic Plague, which was one of the primary forms of the disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. The Black Death swept through Europe between 1347 and 1351, resulting in the deaths of an estimated one-third to one-half of the population.

The term "Black Death" encompasses the broader epidemic which included various forms of plague, with the Bubonic Plague being the most recognizable. The name itself reflects the severe consequences of the disease, including the grim symptoms and the widespread mortality that transformed society. It instigated social, economic, and cultural changes, marking a pivotal moment in European history.

Other choices reflect different historical events: the Spanish Flu occurred in the early 20th century, while the Plague of Justinian affected parts of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century and is not related to the 14th-century pandemic. Thus, the term "Black Death" specifically identifies the catastrophic event that altered the course of European history during that time.